Latest news with #legalconsequences
France 24
2 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
ICJ to deliver landmark climate ruling
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been tasked with crafting a so-called advisory opinion on countries' obligations to prevent climate change and the consequences for polluters whose emissions have harmed the planet. Experts say this is the most significant in a string of recent rulings on climate change in international law, with major potential repercussions for states and firms around the world. Climate-vulnerable countries and campaign groups hope it will have far-reaching legal consequences in the fight against climate change, unifying existing law, shaping national and international legislation, and impacting current court cases. "It will be the compass the world needs to course correct," said Vishal Prasad, director of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change. "It will give new strength to climate litigation, inspire more ambitious national policies and guide states toward decisions that uphold their legal duties to protect both people and planet," said Prasad. But some critics argue the ruling will be toothless, as ICJ advisory opinions are not binding and major polluters can choose simply to ignore it. 'Acts and omissions' The UN, pushed by tiny island state Vanuatu, asked the court to answer two questions. First, what obligations do states have under international law to protect the Earth's climate from polluting greenhouse gas emissions? Second, what are the legal consequences for states which "by their acts and omissions have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment?" The second question was explicitly linked to the damage that climate change is causing to small, more vulnerable, countries and their populations. This applies to countries facing increasingly damaging weather disasters and especially to island nations under threat from rising sea levels like those in the Pacific Ocean. 'David Vs Goliath' In what was termed a "David versus Goliath" battle, advanced economies and developing nations clashed at the ICJ during December hearings on the case. The iconic Peace Palace in the Hague, the seat of the ICJ, played host to more than 100 oral submissions -- the largest number ever, many from tiny states making their first appearance. "This may well be the most consequential case in the history of humanity," said Vanuatu's representative Ralph Regenvanu, opening the two weeks of hearings. "The outcome of these proceedings will reverberate across generations, determining the fate of nations like mine and the future of our planet," he told the 15-judge panel. Major polluters argued the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was sufficient and new guidelines on countries' obligations were not necessary. US representative Margaret Taylor said this framework was "the most current expression of states' consent to be bound by international law in respect of climate change". Taylor urged the court "to ensure its opinion preserves and promotes the centrality of this regime". Meanwhile, the speaker from India was even more explicit. "The court should avoid the creation of any new or additional obligations beyond those already existing under the climate change regime," said Luther Rangreji. The United States under President Donald Trump has since pulled funding for the UNFCCC and withdrawn from its landmark pact, the Paris climate agreement. 'Watery graves' But smaller states said this framework was inadequate to mitigate climate change's devastating effects. "As seas rise faster than predicted, these states must stop. "This court must not permit them to condemn our lands and our people to watery graves," said John Silk from the Marshall Islands. After bitterly fought UN climate talks in Azerbaijan in November, wealthy countries agreed to provide at least $300 billion a year by 2035 to help developing nations transition to clean energy and prepare for an increase in extreme weather. The vulnerable nations argued this is simply not enough and urged the ICJ to push for more. "This is a crisis of survival. It is also a crisis of equity," said Fiji's representative Luke Daunivalu. "Our people... are unfairly and unjustly footing the bill for a crisis they did not create. © 2025 AFP
CNN
6 days ago
- Sport
- CNN
NFL player Rashee Rice sentenced to jail time and probation following involvement in 2024 street racing incident
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was sentenced to five years probation and 30 days of jail time on Thursday following a multi-car crash last year, according to the Dallas County District Attorney's Office. Rice pleaded guilty to third-degree felony charges – collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. It is unclear when Rice would serve time in jail. The Super Bowl winner was driving a Lamborghini Urus SUV at more than 119 mph on Dallas' North Central Expressway before losing control and hitting the center median wall, triggering a chain reaction collision involving other vehicles, six in total, according to the Dallas Police last year. According to the DA, Rice fled the scene on foot and 'failed to check on the welfare of the victims.' Previously, Rice said he took 'full responsibility' for the incident. He issued a statement Thursday through his attorney Royce West, stating in part that he was 'profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families.' A spokesperson for the Chiefs told CNN, 'The club is aware of the reports. With it being an ongoing legal matter, we won't have a comment at this time.' An NFL spokesperson said the matter 'remains under review.' 'When someone with Mr. Rice's public platform chooses to drive so recklessly, there is a responsibility to acknowledge the danger posed to others and take accountability,' Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot said in a statement. 'We are extremely fortunate that no lives were lost that day, and Mr. Rice is fortunate to have walked away unharmed.' According to the DA, Rice paid restitution to all of the victims for 'out-of-pocket medical expenses.' Rice, 25, is entering his third season with the Chiefs after the team selected him in the second round of the 2023 player draft. In 2024, Rice suffered an ACL tear and played in only four games after a dominant rookie season. As a rookie, he established himself as the team's most reliable wide receiver, tallying 79 catches for 938 yards and a team-high of seven touchdowns. In four playoff games, he added another 26 catches for 262 yards and a touchdown, setting the rookie record for playoff receptions. His production and trustworthy hands helped the Chiefs and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes win the Super Bowl in February 2024, the franchise's fourth championship. Rice played college football at nearby Southern Methodist University and grew up in North Richland Hills in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Associated Press
Long Island DWI Defense Lawyer Jason Bassett Highlights Legal Risks for Uber and Lyft Drivers Facing DWI Charges
Long Island DWI defense lawyer Jason Bassett ( ) is drawing attention to the significant consequences that Uber and Lyft drivers face if arrested for driving while intoxicated in New York. In his latest article titled 'Arrested for DWI as an Uber or Lyft Driver? Here's What's at Stake,' Bassett details the legal and financial penalties that can instantly threaten a rideshare driver's livelihood. For a Long Island DWI defense lawyer like Jason Bassett, the urgency is clear: a single arrest can result in immediate deactivation from rideshare platforms, revocation of licenses, and a lasting criminal record. The combination of criminal penalties, DMV sanctions, and the strict policies of Uber, Lyft, and the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) makes the legal terrain for rideshare drivers uniquely challenging. Long Island DWI defense lawyer Jason Bassett emphasizes that for those who drive professionally, the legal and administrative consequences of a DWI arrest are particularly severe. 'A single mistake can result in job loss, license revocation, and a permanent criminal record,' Bassett explains in the article, highlighting the weight of such charges for drivers who depend on a clean driving history for employment. Rideshare drivers must comply with not only New York State DWI laws but also additional regulations imposed by the platforms and, in New York City, the TLC. Uber and Lyft conduct regular background checks through private screening companies, and any DWI arrest can lead to immediate suspension of a driver's account, regardless of whether a conviction has been secured. Both companies commonly apply a seven-year look-back period for DWI convictions, during which a recorded offense typically results in disqualification from driving. Jason Bassett, Long Island DWI defense lawyer, further outlines how TLC regulations can independently suspend or revoke a driver's license upon arrest. In New York City, a DWI arrest triggers an automatic suspension from TLC, effectively halting a driver's ability to work. This happens even before a case is resolved in court. The TLC also applies a point-based system that can lead to further penalties, including longer suspensions or permanent revocation under its Persistent Violator Program. Drivers must also consider the effects of criminal court and DMV proceedings. A first-time DWI conviction in New York can lead to fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, up to one year in jail, and at least a six-month license revocation. The DMV imposes its own set of sanctions, including mandatory suspensions, driver responsibility assessments, and possibly permanent license revocation for repeat offenders. The article also addresses the issue of chemical test refusal under New York's Implied Consent Law. If a driver refuses a breath, blood, or urine test after a lawful arrest, their license can be suspended immediately at arraignment. They may also face a one-year revocation and a civil penalty of at least $500, regardless of the outcome of their criminal case. For a rideshare driver, such administrative penalties can mean permanent loss of work eligibility. Bassett stresses that the long-term impact of a DWI conviction often goes beyond immediate fines or license loss. Auto insurance premiums typically increase sharply, and some insurers may refuse to renew coverage altogether. Rideshare drivers may also face broader employment challenges, especially in roles that require clean driving and criminal records. For non-citizens, a conviction can also create immigration problems, including delays or denials in visa processing or possible removal proceedings. Jason Bassett makes it clear that the implications of a DWI arrest extend well beyond courtrooms and temporary license suspensions. For rideshare drivers, a DWI is not simply a traffic violation; it represents a potential end to their livelihood. He states in the article, 'A DWI conviction can have lasting repercussions that go well beyond courtrooms and temporary driving bans.' A legal defense aimed at both the criminal charges and administrative reviews is often the only way to limit the damage. Without a valid New York State driver's license, a driver cannot legally operate any vehicle for Uber or Lyft, regardless of their TLC license or platform status. Even if a driver is not convicted in court, separate DMV and TLC actions can still result in license suspension or revocation. The consequences of a DWI are immediate, far-reaching, and often permanent. From permanent account deactivation and license loss to elevated insurance premiums and limited job prospects, the risks for rideshare drivers are steep. Jason Bassett, a Long Island DWI defense lawyer, urges any driver facing such charges to address both criminal and administrative actions as early as possible to protect their ability to work and avoid compounding penalties. Legal representation tailored to the unique challenges faced by Uber and Lyft drivers can make a difference in how a case is resolved. Immediate action may help preserve a driver's record, license, and job. About Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C.: The Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. focuses on defending individuals charged with criminal offenses in New York. Led by Jason Bassett, the firm is committed to helping clients understand their legal rights and navigate the judicial system with clarity and purpose. Embeds: Youtube Video: GMB: Email and website Email: [email protected] Website: Media Contact Company Name: Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. Contact Person: Jason Bassett Email: Send Email Phone: (631) 259-6060 Address:320 Carleton Ave Suite 4200 City: Central Islip State: New York 11722 Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Long Island DWI Defense Lawyer Jason Bassett Highlights Legal Risks for Uber and Lyft Drivers Facing DWI Charges
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Globe and Mail
Long Island DWI Defense Lawyer Jason Bassett Highlights Legal Risks for Uber and Lyft Drivers Facing DWI Charges
Long Island DWI defense lawyer Jason Bassett ( is drawing attention to the significant consequences that Uber and Lyft drivers face if arrested for driving while intoxicated in New York. In his latest article titled "Arrested for DWI as an Uber or Lyft Driver? Here's What's at Stake," Bassett details the legal and financial penalties that can instantly threaten a rideshare driver's livelihood. For a Long Island DWI defense lawyer like Jason Bassett, the urgency is clear: a single arrest can result in immediate deactivation from rideshare platforms, revocation of licenses, and a lasting criminal record. The combination of criminal penalties, DMV sanctions, and the strict policies of Uber, Lyft, and the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) makes the legal terrain for rideshare drivers uniquely challenging. Long Island DWI defense lawyer Jason Bassett emphasizes that for those who drive professionally, the legal and administrative consequences of a DWI arrest are particularly severe. 'A single mistake can result in job loss, license revocation, and a permanent criminal record,' Bassett explains in the article, highlighting the weight of such charges for drivers who depend on a clean driving history for employment. Rideshare drivers must comply with not only New York State DWI laws but also additional regulations imposed by the platforms and, in New York City, the TLC. Uber and Lyft conduct regular background checks through private screening companies, and any DWI arrest can lead to immediate suspension of a driver's account, regardless of whether a conviction has been secured. Both companies commonly apply a seven-year look-back period for DWI convictions, during which a recorded offense typically results in disqualification from driving. Jason Bassett, Long Island DWI defense lawyer, further outlines how TLC regulations can independently suspend or revoke a driver's license upon arrest. In New York City, a DWI arrest triggers an automatic suspension from TLC, effectively halting a driver's ability to work. This happens even before a case is resolved in court. The TLC also applies a point-based system that can lead to further penalties, including longer suspensions or permanent revocation under its Persistent Violator Program. Drivers must also consider the effects of criminal court and DMV proceedings. A first-time DWI conviction in New York can lead to fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, up to one year in jail, and at least a six-month license revocation. The DMV imposes its own set of sanctions, including mandatory suspensions, driver responsibility assessments, and possibly permanent license revocation for repeat offenders. The article also addresses the issue of chemical test refusal under New York's Implied Consent Law. If a driver refuses a breath, blood, or urine test after a lawful arrest, their license can be suspended immediately at arraignment. They may also face a one-year revocation and a civil penalty of at least $500, regardless of the outcome of their criminal case. For a rideshare driver, such administrative penalties can mean permanent loss of work eligibility. Bassett stresses that the long-term impact of a DWI conviction often goes beyond immediate fines or license loss. Auto insurance premiums typically increase sharply, and some insurers may refuse to renew coverage altogether. Rideshare drivers may also face broader employment challenges, especially in roles that require clean driving and criminal records. For non-citizens, a conviction can also create immigration problems, including delays or denials in visa processing or possible removal proceedings. Jason Bassett makes it clear that the implications of a DWI arrest extend well beyond courtrooms and temporary license suspensions. For rideshare drivers, a DWI is not simply a traffic violation; it represents a potential end to their livelihood. He states in the article, 'A DWI conviction can have lasting repercussions that go well beyond courtrooms and temporary driving bans.' A legal defense aimed at both the criminal charges and administrative reviews is often the only way to limit the damage. Without a valid New York State driver's license, a driver cannot legally operate any vehicle for Uber or Lyft, regardless of their TLC license or platform status. Even if a driver is not convicted in court, separate DMV and TLC actions can still result in license suspension or revocation. The consequences of a DWI are immediate, far-reaching, and often permanent. From permanent account deactivation and license loss to elevated insurance premiums and limited job prospects, the risks for rideshare drivers are steep. Jason Bassett, a Long Island DWI defense lawyer, urges any driver facing such charges to address both criminal and administrative actions as early as possible to protect their ability to work and avoid compounding penalties. Legal representation tailored to the unique challenges faced by Uber and Lyft drivers can make a difference in how a case is resolved. Immediate action may help preserve a driver's record, license, and job. About Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C.: The Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. focuses on defending individuals charged with criminal offenses in New York. Led by Jason Bassett, the firm is committed to helping clients understand their legal rights and navigate the judicial system with clarity and purpose. Embeds: Youtube Video: GMB: Email and website Email: bassettlaw@ Website: Media Contact Company Name: Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. Contact Person: Jason Bassett Email: Send Email Phone: (631) 259-6060 Address: 320 Carleton Ave Suite 4200 City: Central Islip State: New York 11722 Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Man who flipped car over onto roof is handed driving ban
A MAN who had been drinking when he flipped his car over onto its roof while driving through Marston Magna has been given a 16-month driving ban by the courts. Ronnie Andrew Howes had been drinking before getting behind the wheel and being involved in a single vehicle accident on the A359. After being taken to hospital for checks he provided a blood sample which showed he was over the limit, Somerset Magistrates were told. Howes, 35, of Hood Road, Yeovil pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving on November 2 last year. Prosecutor Genna Morgan said on the day in question the police were alerted at 1.45pm of an accident involving a single car on the A359 at Marston Magna. MORE COURT NEWS: Motorist - who swerved to avoid pothole and crashed - is banned for drink driving 'When they arrived they found a vehicle on its roof and could see the driver was under the influence of something, was slurring his words and smelt of alcohol,' she said. Howes was checked over by paramedics and taken to hospital and a blood test revealed a reading of 129mlg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 80mlg of alcohol. Defending solicitor Greg Peters said his client blamed the incident on a 'moment of madness.' 'He says it will have a profound effect on his life both physically and mentally as he now has a serious wrist injury and limited mobility,' he said. MORE COURT NEWS: Teenager on motorbike - with cocaine and cannabis in system - fled from police 'He is grateful that nobody else was hurt and just cannot explain why he drove that day.' At the time Howes was homeless but had just secured a new job and would now be investing in a bike to be able to get to work. Alongside the driving disqualification the magistrates fined him £461 with a £184 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
